A close-up of Nesma performing onstage. [Photo/ Chinaculture.org]

Nesma's band has toured the world, setting foot in Europe, America and Australia. It also graced international music festivals, such as the Castle Art Festival and Paris International Music Day.

"In the streets and squares of Chengdu, I see people sing or dance. This is what we want to see and what we are striving for. Music knows no boundary. We believe our music doesn't only belong to Egypt, but the whole world," said the band's manager.

In late 2014, President Xi Jinping and his Egyptian counterpart Sisi proposed the 2016 China-Egypt Culture Year, to mark the 60th year of the establishment of the two countries’ diplomatic ties. By the end of November this year, 98 cultural events, the marimba concert included, have been held in 25 major cities, covering film, book and stage art.